It can be nerve-wracking for a first-time mom when she learns to drive. There are a lot of new things to remember and it can be hard to focus on the road with a baby in the backseat. But with a little practice and some helpful tips, soon you’ll be driving like a pro. Here are seven tips that will help you feel more confident when you hit the road.
Get lessons
First of all, get some driving lessons. Even if you’ve been taught to drive previously by some of your family members or on your own, you should get lessons from a professional before taking your baby out on the road. If you take intensive driving courses from the l-team you are bound to learn a lot and feel more confident. A professional driving instructor can answer all of your questions and help you anytime you need it.
Just keep in mind that if you take driving lessons and then never go out on the road with your child, you’ll still be a better driver for it.
Take your time
Take as long as you need to get the confidence you need to drive on the road. It might take several weeks, but every time you practice with your baby in the car and begin to feel more comfortable, it’s a step in the right direction. When you’re feeling confident enough to go out by yourself, consider taking some friends or family members with you so that you can have some company for your baby in the backseat.
Strengthen your skills
Once you have some great lessons, practice makes perfect! The more hours you put behind the wheel, the better off you’ll be when you take your baby along with you. So get in your car and drive around even during times when there’s little to no traffic on the road.
The more you practice, the more comfortable and confident you’ll feel on the road. But don’t try to go overboard and exceed the speeding limit. And be sure to find a safe, quiet place to practice driving. A good idea is the grocery store parking lot because you’ll likely feel comfortable with multiple places to turn around if something happens.
Practice with a friend
It’s always helpful to have someone riding a shotgun when you’re learning to drive, but this extra set of eyes is especially important if they’re also a parent. Having someone to talk through your fears with can make all the difference when you’re on the road and need advice immediately, especially if you’re in a rush and you need to find that nearest exit fast!
If you can’t find a friend who has kids that they’ve taken out in their car before, then perhaps you can ask your parents or grandparents to help you. Plus the fact that they know you as a driver definitely helps as well!
Know how to turn your car off quickly
Although this might seem like an odd tip, it can really make a difference if you need to make a quick stop at the grocery store and need to get out fast. If you can turn your car off in less than 10 seconds, you’ll be able to stop and hop out faster than if it takes you a minute or so. Remembering how to do this in an emergency situation will mean a lot!
Get a car seat
Once you are confident enough to start driving with your baby in the car, you’ll also need to install a proper car seat for your infant. The good news is that there are more affordable child seats out there than ever so get one that suits both your budget and your child’s needs. Even if you get a used car seat, it will be better than not having one at all.
Get your car checked
Before you drive any car it is vital that you get it checked because it could be the difference between being in an accident and avoiding it. If your car is not safe for another person, then it certainly won’t be safe for a baby either. There are plenty of affordable ways to get your car checked out before you take your child out with you on the road (be sure to go somewhere reputable like an expert mechanic), so don’t skip this step.
If you are a new mom or thinking of becoming one soon, there are some great tips in this article to help make your life easier with the process of driving. From getting lessons from qualified professionals and practicing on your own time, to finding someone else who can be your passenger when you practice for the first time. The more hours behind the wheel that you put in now will lead to increased safety later on which is especially important if you have kids!
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